Documenting Brisbane

For the past couple of weeks I have been on assignment photographing things I believe represent Brisbane. So first of all, my beliefs. I believe that Brisbane is a diverse and ever expanding city, filled with so many cultures all merged into one place. This in turn has created a city that is constantly moving, constantly busy, constantly changing. This isnt a bad thing, but with everything happening at such a pace we dont take the time to appreciate the beauty Brisbane has to offer. Im not talking about sites or landmarks, I'm talking about moments, people. We walk by strangers all the time around the city, there are some people we deliberately walk by ie the homeless looking for change, people trying to sell you things. But when you think about it, these are the strangers you know. You know where they stand every time, you know their face, you know more about this person than a walking by douchebag in a suit. You talk to your friends and ask if they know that busker who keeps playing in the subway and you know what? They notice that busker too. My point is, these people we see on a time to time basis are imprinted in our heads, possibly not for the best, but they are there, they have crossed our paths several times and we remember them.

I believe that we as a society create the city we see today. Thus for this assignment, I took photos of people which I believe demonstrate the diversity and culture of Brisbane. These people I walk by almost every day. Thanks to this assignment I had reason to speak to these people, and share my vision with them. I can now share my vision with the world. I would like to thank all the people who gave me the opportunity to take their photo, I hope I have done you justice.


This man sells the Big Issue magazine. This is the first time I have actually seen him but his character stood out to me. I was interested in where he was sitting which was in front of a church, I thought it was cool the way he said hello to all the people who walked by and I was interested enough to want to take his photo. The Big Issue is a magazine which states "Helping the homeless to help themselves". I believe this is a great concept. Its good to see big companies helping the homeless to be productive and earn some money. Plenty of these vendors work very hard to sell them. Either by being that funny character on the footpath to dancing to grab your attention. This magazine keeps them productive and has created a charitable icon in our city. I asked this man if I could take a photo of him and as an incentive to him I offered to buy his magazine. I think we both won in this deal.


The busker whom from what I know bases in the central station/anzac square tunnel is an amazing musician. His name is Josh Poretti, and from time to time I would hear his distinct and unique sound, and I am entranced by the depth of the music he plays. He is very talented and I appreciate his music every time I pass the tunnel. I was more than happy to ask to take a photo of him. Hopefully in the future I may be able to take photos of him at a gig. This is the link to his myspace page. Check him out and listen to his music, you will not be let down. http://www.myspace.com/joshporetti


Jared Lyell is his name. A professional street artist in the heart of Queen street. Famous for his unique and stylistic paintings with the use of an airbrush aperatus and other artistic instruments. I usually see him on weekends but this time I saw him on the weekday. I'm always fascinated with his art, his thought processes for implementing each artistic stroke which had no concept of turning back from, his style is flawless and unique and he is an icon of Queen street and an icon of Brisbane. His website is http://www.jazrt.com Check him out.


The man in this photo I see all the time. I found out he is from Central America. I honestly didnt expect it, until I asked him to take off his glasses just for my photo. I saw a man who was completely different without his glasses on. I saw a man full of history and stories. He has always intrigued me, the way he holds his Big Issue magazine like a rifle with a consistant pose. This is always how I imagine him, in this photo I have seen a different story and I am glad to have seen it. It brings a new perspective about him and for me its beautiful to witness such a moment.


The man in this photo I happened to walk by and was instantly curious. I was running up the stairs to central station when I saw him slowly staggering down them. I stopped halfway and knew he would be an interesting subject. So I turned around and asked him if I could take a photo. He told me he is retired and that he was heading home. He was shy at first as was most of my subjects. I asked if he could raise his hat just a little so I could see his eyes. They were the deepest hue of green I have ever seen. His eyes really do pierce through this photo, and I am glad to have spotted it. You dont expect this from a person who had his face down all the time walking along, thus beauty can be seen in the most unpredictable places.

Brisbane is full of characters, we see them all the time, we avoid them because they are strangers. But if you slow down from your busy life, look around, be curious and you will realise these people are no different from you and me, everyones circumstances are different and as humans we should respect our fellow man as equal because isnt that what Australia is about? Equality. We as a community in Brisbane make up this vibrant city of ours thus my photos are about us and dedicated to us.